BOYKINS — Kenya Harvey Branch, 46, died on July 14, 2016.

She was born on May 23, 1970, to Thomas McDaniel Harvey and Brenda Deloris Harvey while her father was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. They moved several times before settling down in Southampton County, Virginia.

Kenya went on to complete her high school education at Southampton High School in Courtland, Virginia. She was a proud graduate of the class of 1989.

Kenya began her working career as a cosmetologist. During that time, she met her husband. The two dated for a short time and soon married. During their bond that lasted 24 years they were blessed with two sons.

After many years of working as a cosmetologist, Kenya found her passion for helping children. She worked in both Franklin City and Southampton County school systems as a teacher’s assistant. She dedicated her time to ensuring that children received the time they needed to further themselves through education. Although she was a biological mother of two, she was a school mother of many.

Kenya accepted Christ as her savior and lived a life of charity and love. She never hesitated to offer help and support to those in need. Kenya approached every day with a positive attitude. She will forever be remembered for her infectious laugh that could fill a room. Kenya embraced life and lived it to the fullest while encouraging others to do the same.

Kenya leaves to cherish her memories a loving husband, Charles E. Branch; two sons, Charles T. Branch and Christian T. Branch of Boykins; her mother, Brenda Poole of Zuni; one sister, Shante Harvey of Newport News; one stepsister, Dayana Botts (David) of Killeen, Texas; stepmother, Maria Harvey of Killeen; one stepbrother, Stefan Poole (Hattie) of Oxford, North Carolina. Kenya also leaves her loving in-laws and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and devoted friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Thomas McDaniel Harvey of Killeen and her stepfather, Edward Poole of Franklin.

The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, in Apostolic Faith Church of God, 680 Oak St., Franklin.

Engram Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.